A gaming machine lobby group is pleased about a government move to bring online operators into line

The Government's announced it's starting a licensing program, which will see 15 licences given, and an up to five-million dollar fine for anyone operating online without one.

Gaming Machine Association Independent Chair Peter Dengate Thrush says internet casinos threaten the current gambling model, which works well for them.

He says New Zealand has low problem gambling rates, and puts millions of dollars back into the community, as per government regulation.